State Government In Australia Seeks To Issue $12k Fines If You Insult Its Gaming Minister Michael O'Brien

from the please-don't-be-insulted-by-this-article dept

Pickle Monger alerts us to an effort in Victoria, Australia, by the current government to pass a law that could lead to fines up to $11,945 if you dare to insult gaming minister Michael O'Brien. The law claims that it is "reasonably necessary to respect the rights and reputation of the minister and authorised persons" which includes a ban on any attempt to "assault, obstruct, hinder, threaten, abuse, insult or intimidate" gaming minister Michael O'Brien. His political opponents are using the opportunity (before the bill passes, only, of course!) to mock O'Brien and the bill. But, his office is actually trying to defend the bill:

Asked why the new "offence" law was necessary and what its intention was, a spokeswoman for Mr O'Brien, Emily Broadbent, tried to deflect attention away from the minister, despite his title being clearly attached to the legislation.

"This provision protects officers of the gambling regulator from bullying or intimidation when exercising powers at the direction of the Minister for Gaming," she said.

"The minister can look after himself, but does not believe that those working on his behalf should have to put up with harassment."

Reader Comments

Re:

Hey Minister Head up yer Ass:
You are the ugliest looking human being I have ever seen.
Now go and fine me.I am poor and unemployed.Guess you will now have me put in Jail with a sentence of hard labor since I can not afford to pay you off.

Behavior

"The minister can look after himself, but does not believe that those working on his behalf should have to put up with harassment."
What are they up to that they automatically assume people will ridicule them? Perhaps they should change their behavior.

I think this is a fair law to introduce, I know I don't want to be bullied or intimidated. And if rudely not holding a door open for me is an insult and therefore illegal, that sounds like the law is working as stated. Clearly I would not be the one intimidated or bullied in that situation.

Re:

Politicians...

here would absolutely love such a law! No more snarky remarks by anyone, no criticism by the bloggers. It would be so great for them! A great way to silence opposition. They could argue that even criticism is an insult so you would get fined. The agencies like the FCC, FDA, DOJ, TSA would love it as well.

Wonder if it would make it through challenge at the SOTUS? Maybe the Supremes aren't that corrupt (yet).

Re: Politicians...

here would absolutely love such a law! No more snarky remarks by anyone, no criticism by the bloggers. It would be so great for them! A great way to silence opposition....

No, they would hate it as they would not be able to go after their opponents with attack ads. further, the MSM would balk at this as they would not be able to use twitter and FB commentary as "real news".

Next, being naturally ornery, Americans, who would never even consider being confrontational or "off color", would participate in open ridicule of anyone trying to get such a law passed as they so richly deserve...

Useful law

Because currently in Australian law there's no way to punish people who assault, obstruct, hinder, threaten, abuse, insult or intimidate others.

Not sure why the much needed law to protect citizens currently only applies to O'Brien and his department. Presumably this is a trial period before it is rolled out along with similar laws to prevent theft, fraud, bribes, arson, drug dealing, blowing things up, and selling adult computer games.

I'm glad Australia is finally stepping back from pure anarchy and joining the civilised world.

Stupid, stupid little brains...

Australia already has laws in place to deal with assault and threats, and ones which deal with obstruction of officials in their duties. But insults? No public figure is, or should be, immune from criticism or ridicule.

Parliamentary Privilege

Anybody know if parliamentary privilege would still trump this law? If politicians can't insult the hell out of each other in parliament anymore things sure would be different... Don't know how they would get anything done anymore if they were fined so much every time they open their mouth.